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Alshaar Amusement Services
and trends shaping the future of entertainment in the country are: 1. Integrating advanced technology into entertainment: The UAE has witnessed the opening of
lounges and restaurants that rely on artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies to enhance the visitor experience.
2. Applications of virtual reality in tourism: Virtual reality technologies contribute to strengthening the tourism sector in the UAE by providing immersive experiences for tourists. These technologies are expected to add billions of dollars to the country's tourism revenues, with millions of visitors expected to attend major events such as Expo 2020 Dubai.
Through these innovations and trends, the UAE
continues to strengthen its entertainment sector, cementing its position as a leading tourism and entertainment destination worldwide.
PW: Has the conflict in the region affected tourism, leisure spending, or product acquisition? EA: The United Arab Emirates is a leading tourism and business destination in the region and has proven its ability to adapt to regional challenges and maintain its economic stability. Despite conflicts in some countries in the region, the UAE has managed to boost its tourism and leisure spending sectors, thanks to its sustainable policies and diversified economy. The UAE's tourism sector has witnessed
remarkable growth in recent years. In 2022, the travel and tourism sector's contribution to GDP reached approximately 9%, with revenues approaching AED 167 billion. Total spending by international tourists reached approximately AED
117.6 billion. These figures demonstrate the UAE's attractiveness as a tourist destination, despite regional challenges. In addition, the UAE has witnessed an increase
in travel and hospitality spending by high-net-worth individuals, reflecting consumer confidence and continued economic activity in the leisure sector. The UAE seeks to diversify its economy away from
its dependence on oil by promoting sectors such as tourism, which contributes to creating new job opportunities and attracting investment. Overall, it can be said that the conflicts in the region have not significantly impacted tourism, entertainment spending, or product purchases in the UAE, thanks to the country's sustainable economic policies and economic diversification.
PW: The region hosts two established trade shows, DEAL and SEA Expo; how will the addition of IAAPA Expo Middle East in 2026 impact the region? EA: Abu Dhabi, UAE, is set to host the inaugural edition of IAAPA Expo Middle East from March 31 to April 2, 2026. This event is a new addition to the region's established trade shows, such as the Dubai Entertainment and Amusement (DEAL) Show and the Middle East Amusement Parks Expo (SEA Expo). The organization of IAAPA Expo Middle East
will contribute to strengthening the position of the Middle East, and particularly the UAE, as a major hub for the entertainment and theme park industry. This will attract more international investors and companies to the region, boosting the local economy. The exhibition will also provide ample opportunities for local and regional companies to network with their global counterparts, potentially leading to new partnerships and the exchange of knowledge and best practices in the entertainment industry. With an international exhibition of this
magnitude in the region, companies will have the opportunity to showcase the latest innovations and technologies in the entertainment sector, which could encourage local companies to adopt new technologies and develop innovative products and services. The entry of IAAPA Expo Middle East could
increase competitiveness among trade shows in the region, potentially prompting other exhibition organizers, such as DEAL and SEA Expo, to enhance their programs and offer additional benefits to participants and visitors. The exhibition is expected to attract a large
number of international visitors and participants, which will lead to increased hotel occupancy and a revitalization of the services and tourism sector in Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a whole.
PW: Entertainment options in the Middle East are typically located in shopping malls. Do you think this is still the case, and how has this evolved over the years? EA: In the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf countries, shopping malls have traditionally been the primary hub for entertainment and shopping, combining retail, restaurants, and entertainment facilities such as cinemas and entertainment areas. However, recent years have seen a marked shift in the entertainment landscape, with options expanding to include facilities and attractions beyond traditional shopping malls. Shopping malls have evolved into multi-use
destinations, offering services beyond traditional shopping and entertainment. They now include cultural facilities, event spaces, and even business centers. This evolution has transformed them into comprehensive destinations that meet the diverse needs of visitors. The location-based entertainment market in the
Middle East and Africa has witnessed significant growth, with its value expected to increase from $44.40 million in 2022 to $68.95 million by 2028, at a CAGR of 7.6%. This indicates increased investment in standalone entertainment facilities that offer unique experiences outside of shopping malls. The Middle East amusement park market is
expected to reach $2.04 billion in 2024, with continued growth to reach $2.34 billion by 2029. This growth reflects increased interest in creating and developing standalone entertainment facilities that attract families and tourists. GCC countries are seeking to diversify their
economies by investing in the entertainment sector, which has led to the emergence of cultural events, festivals, and artistic performances held in various locations outside of shopping malls. This diversity provides residents and tourists with a variety of entertainment options that cater to a variety of interests.
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